Sun protection hat?

[proyce]

I will be going to Cozumel soon and need a broad-brimmed hat to protect my face and neck from the tropical sun - one that is packable and can get wet, since I will be on a boat. My old Panama hat has fallen apart. Any suggestions?

Thanks - Phil

 

[NadMat]

I would recommend a Tilley. Made out of sailcloth, they were made for sailing, and work great, almost indestructable, and they have a little foam thing in the crown that keeps them afloat if you forget to use the chinstraps and they fly off

The Tilley T3

 

[H20Bubbles]

I use a hat similar to this from REI. Have used it on trips to Cozumel, kayaking trips, and motorcycle teaching out in the parking lots. It is great for protecting the face, neck, and ears.

 

[MSilvia]

Find a wide brim hat that you like. Try it on. If it fits, buy it.
It's a hat, not rocket science.

 

[rmannix]

Practice with it before going out on a dive boat.
You should be able to put it on with your eyes closed (right side up)
If should be free of possible entanglements (clappy hands, attached beer can holders, trout flies, propellers)
Avoid camoflage patterns, I tried one and people kept bumping into me.
It should be able to fit your buddy, practice exhanging hats.

 

[proyce]

I expected some sarcasm, and I was not disappointed. But I also received a couple of serious replies. Thank you.

 

[NadMat]

What would SB be without sarcasm?

Hope we were some help. I wore my Tilley to Coz in Dec, worked great, but decided I may order a second one with the green under the brim for use at sea as my current one is all natural and has a slight tendency to reflect the light coming up off the water back down into the eyes. My current one is over a decade old and is functionally in great shape, although many years of hard use have given it a somewhat mottled appearance despite washing and bleaching. But it is the best all around sun type hat I have ever had, great for camping, the lake, gardening, standing around at outdoor events, and of course, dive trips and boat rides. I encourage you to read the Tilley 'owners manual' before making your decision.

Good luck with your hat search, and have a great time in Cozumel. I know I did in Dec. and will again soon (although never soon enough).

Matt

 

[Mike Newman]

I will be going to Cozumel soon and need a broad-brimmed hat to protect my face and neck from the tropical sun - one that is packable and can get wet, since I will be on a boat. My old Panama hat has fallen apart. Any suggestions?

Thanks - Phil

Definitely a Tilley - they ain't cheap - but darn, they're good!

 

[Sideband]

I just bought a blue army boonie hat for a trip to Florida. Crushable, full protection, cheap...

Joe

 

[OE2X]

Exofficio makes some pretty nice hats. One has drop down flaps... They are lightweight and dry quickly.

http://www.exofficio.com/product_details.aspx?item_guid=1a584964-cfb5-40e7-b094-d5649948a2f2